S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations

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Description

This course is designed to introduce fire behavior calculations by manual methods, using nomograms and the Fireline Handbook Appendix B: Fire Behavior, PMS 410-2. Students gain an understanding of the determinants of fire behavior though studying inputs (weather, slope, fuels, and fuel moisture). Students also learn how to interpret fire behavior outputs, documentation processes, and fire behavior briefing components.

Objectives

  • List the assumptions, limitations, and appropriate uses of fire behavior prediction models.
  • Describe how environmental factors and processes affect fire behavior predictions and safety.
  • Define and interpret fire behavior prediction model inputs.
  • Calculate fire behavior outputs using available fire behavior processors.
  • Interpret, communicate, apply, and document wildland fire behavior and weather information.

Target Group

Personnel desiring to be qualified as Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), or Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3). 

Delivery

S-390 is available as classroom instructor-led training.

Course Components and Hours to Complete

ComponentTime
Pre-course work8-10
Pre-selection assessment2
Online trainingN/A
Instructor-led training32
Total Hours42-44

Session Offerings

Nationally advertised course sessions can be found by searching for S-390 on the National Wildland Fire Training website. Contact your local Training Officer for more information about local course sessions.

Prerequisite Qualifications and Training

  • Intermediate S-290, Wildland Fire Behavior.
  • Qualified as any single resource boss.
  • Satisfactory completion of pre-selection assessment and pre-course work.

Course Level

Regional, state, or area

Associated Position Task Books

Division/Group Supervisor (PMS 311-09), Incident Commander Type 3 (PMS 311-02), Long Term Fire Analyst (PMS 311-29), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (PMS 311-74)

 

Functional Area: 
Operations
Primary Committee: 
Fire Environment Committee
Maintained By: 
Fire Behavior Curriculum Unit
Page Last Modified / Reviewed: 
2019-02-08

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